Three Westhill residents were recognised for their services to the community during National Volunteers Week. The Aberdeenshire Volunteer Award which is sponsored by Aberdeenshire Council and supported by Volunteer Centre Aberdeenshire was presented to husband and wife team, George and Ann Morrison and also David Ritchie. All three achieved a lifetime award for over 20 years each of volunteering. Mr Morrrison has been involved in many local groups including the Rotary, Residents Association and most notably was involved in the “Don’t move Westhill” campaign in the 1980s. His wife also was involved in the campaign as well as Mother & Toddler, Playgroup, Brownie groups and the golf club. David Ritchie has been a key member of Westhill & Elrick Community Council and is manager/editor of the highly sucessful Westhill Bulletin. He is also fund raises for the Lions Club and co-ordinates the community minibus.

The trio were presented with their awards at the Westhill Gala by local Councillor, Iris Walker. Cllr Walker said “I am absolutely delighted to present the awards today in what is National Volunteers Week. It is apt that this recognition takes place at a local event where volunteering is key to its success. The work done by all three over many years is fantastic and the awards are very well deserved”.

Pictures attached show

1. James Harley, Gala co-ordinator, Cllr Iris Walker, David Ritchie

2. Ann Morrison (with certificate in hand), George Morrison, Cllr Iris Walker and members of Morrison family to the left

For more information on National Volunteer week http://volunteersweek.org/

and on Aberdeenshire Volunteer Centre http://www.vcaberdeenshire.org.uk/